Accounting Professionals Career Development Office
To aid you in your quest for a practical training position, the University provides on-campus training and guidance in how to acquire a CPT position. Students are responsible for conducting their own search for a CPT position.
You can negotiate your salary with help from the University. Your salary during practical training will depend on your skills and experience. Most Accounting MBA students earn $40,000–$60,000 as a starting salary.
Some of the services MUM provides to help place you in a practical training position in accounting at a U.S. company:
- Assistance with resumé writing and interview preparation
- Posting of resumés on the Accounting Professionals job placement website
- Maintenance of a network of contacts with companies who have hired our students
- Notices of job opportunities that come into our office are broadcast to all candidates
When you have found a prospective employer:
- We offer help to prepare you for the specific job interview.
- Our placement specialists are available to speak to prospective employers and recruiters to answer questions and to help highlight the accounting skills of our students.
- We help evaluate job offers, including salary and benefits.
- We assist with your transition into the workplace, including advice on housing and transportation issues.
- When you secure an internship offer, we provide curricular practical training (CPT) work authorization on your I-20 form (visa document).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University select a student’s U.S. practical training position? No. Each student is expected to take initiative in obtaining their own practical training jobs. The University's placement specialists will provide support and advice. The University has relationships with many U.S. companies, but you can apply for any accounting training position. CPT job offers must be approved by the Accounting MBA director.
May a student negotiate his own salary? Yes. The University’s job specialists will educate you on your expected compensation based on your skills and experience.
How does the University help prepare a student for an internship position? Through a systematic schedule of Career Strategies Workshops and individual meetings, the University provides guidance to ensure your maximum success. Subjects include:
- Creating a highly effective resumé (CV)
- Preparing for successful job interviews
- Optimal job seeking techniques
- Identify target jobs and salary based on your skills and experience
- Introduction to US work environment and expectations
Is a student guaranteed a practical training position? The University is highly motivated to assist you in obtaining a good internship position. However, like any other university, we do not guarantee practical training positions. The reasons for this include: (a) the U.S. economy and job market are subject to change, (b) the student’s English fluency affects placement efforts, (c) students vary in the their ability to promote their competencies.
How can a student best prepare for relocation and job search?
- Following the University’s guidance
- Arriving in the USA well-grounded in written and spoken English
- Planning for $3,000–$4,000 for travel and living expenses during CPT search
What are the prospects for getting a good internship position? There are many opportunities for professional acccountants. Students who are diligent and focused on applying for positions should not have much difficulty in finding a good internship position. University counselors are available at every step to provide guidance and support for this process. It normally takes 2–4 months to secure an internship position.
Can a student change employers during their practical training period? It is highly desirable for you to complete your internship with the same employer. However, there may be reasons that require you to change employers. Any change must be approved by the University, which retains the authorization for you to gain practical experience in the USA.
What happens if a student doesn’t get an internship position during the practicum period? Students are expected to begin their internship within a few months of leaving campus. A student who hasn't begun CPT within the specified time frame must return to campus for additional course work or return to their home country.
How does Distance Education (DE) work for this program? During the two years of internship, students complete the remaining academic credits as part-time (evenings and weekends) distance education courses. The courses consist of self-study courses, including CMA or CPA preparation. The University faculty will provide weekly assignments, monitor and advise students on their progress, provide guidance on technical questions, and administer periodic examinations. Students who wish to progress at a faster pace may also receive academic credit for passing sections of the CMA or CPA examinations as proof of mastery of the material.